A plant-based diet for beginners can change your life in ways you never expected. In this series, we talk with some of the world’s most soulful, dedicated (and often funny) individuals and we learn how food is an essential part of their journey.
This week, we talked with Mindy, a vivacious, outgoing woman, who's life careened into despair and pain because of weight gain and health complications.
Although Mindy wanted adventure and to live fully the diets she tried over and over, didn't work. She lost weight only to gain it back and health complications persisted. Her doctor's recommendation to try going vegan for weight loss changed her life. Here's Mindy's story:
Video: "In September 2018 I stood on the scale at my doctor's office and was mortified. I also burst into tears. I weighed 230 lbs. Now I was obese, I had a handful of health problems and I felt pretty hopeless. My doctor said, "Mindy, I think you should try plants" so, that's what I did. I started MamaSezz food on that day, and I've never looked back."
"Their love, their guidance, and their meal plans have taught me how to eat again, and how to enjoy my food. And not only is that information incredible, what else is incredible is how much I've learned along the way. The stuff they have on their website can answer any of your questions. Anyway, I hope you check them out and come with me on this journey, thanks."
The Early Days of Dieting Never Considered Trying To Go Vegan For Weight Loss
"I struggled with weight my whole life and tried every diet. This is just a few that I have trieds: Cabbage Soup, Grapefruit, Hard Boiled Egg (can barely type that without gagging) HCG -And, I actually injected HGC hormone daily and lived on 500 calories a day, Weight Watchers - 4 times Ideal Protein - 3 times Atkins.
My whole life revolved around food. The more I ate the sicker I got but I just didn’t get it and I couldn't stop. How did this happen to me? This is not what I planned for my life.
Sure I lost weight and looked great, but the weight always came back plus 10-20 pounds! Ended up getting sick and gaining even more weight. It's no surprise that I also had a host of medical issues. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and that same year needed to have a hysterectomy. Everyday, I felt old and sick and in constant struggle with my weight.
Everything in my body hurt and every day I complained. My mind, spirit, and soul were turning to ash. My body got bigger and bigger and hurt. I just hurt everywhere. My whole life revolved around food. The more I ate the sicker I got but I just didn’t get it and I couldn't stop. How did this happen to me? This is not what I planned for my life."
A Health Scare
"Three years ago I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This is a malfunction of the peripheral nervous system. It started in my foot and quickly spread up my leg. This is an extremely painful condition.
My blood pressure went through the roof and I was now the proud owner of a fatty liver. How did this happen to me? I was 230 lbs and incredibly sad.
Because my CRPS began to spread to my other foot and right hand, my future looked very bleak."
A plant based diet for beginners made all the difference
"I had a moment of clarity where I knew I wanted to hold my grand-babies, I wanted to live... really live. That's when I discovered the MamaSezz vegan weight loss plan. I asked myself can I really abandon all of old ideas and attitudes about weight loss? Am I ready to do things the opposite way? HECK YES, I AM!
I jumped in and followed the suggestions. This plant-based diet for beginners and experienced folks worked for me. I'm not perfect (thank goodness!) and some days were harder than others, but I stuck with it. The approach is so natural and kind and based on science -I was blown away by the freedom I felt once I stopped doing and eating things that harmed me."
Why this worked when nothing else did
Mindy spent much of her adult life dieting. https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1517/2462/files/Mindy_before_after.jpg?v=1648144940 But this time eating healthy plant-based vegan meals for weight loss didn't feel like a restriction. She was full after meals and enjoyed the food she was eating. If she went off track it was easy to get back on.
"I’m 57 years young and have a lot of living to do!! I’m wearing that Ramones T-Shirt and my Converse sneakers, I dance when I want to dance and wear red lipstick, take hikes with grandkids and spoil them horribly, and go on adventures with my husband Andy!
I’m doing this and doing it 65 pounds lighter! CRPS in remission in right arm, blood pressure SUPER, cholesterol well, that’s perfect too. Oh, I’m not sporting a fatty liver anymore and my thyroid shrunk. I have never felt this hopeful and good. The best part? I don't worry about my weight anymore!"
Ready to lose weight with a plant-based diet?
Download the Ultimate Little Guide To Plant-Based Weight Loss
1. Check out the MamaSezz Weight Loss Program
2. Join the Heartbeet Gang Group on Facebook for support
Get the support you need to live your best whole food plant-based life when you sign up for the MamaSezz Guaranteed Weight Loss Program, because real food, with a solid plan =lasting results.